When the New Orleans Saints take on the New York Giants, the Saints will be in pursuit of a much-needed win in order to ease some of the pressure building around the organization.
After team owner Gayle Benson’s public, critical comments surrounding the team’s 2026 start made waves across the league, it’s clear that those statements were felt around the team’s facility.
How the team responds will be one of the most consequential elements of the season.
Offensively, New Orleans has gotten off to its share of slow starts, a continuation from last season. Defensively, the run defense and defensive line have proven to be again vulnerable.
The Saints (1-4) will be look to contributors that may not be household names to help boost the production and effectiveness of both sides.
DL Nathan Shepherd
While the edge rushers, Chase Young and Carl Granderson, are off to a strong start to the season, the team’s interior defensive line has been concerning.
The interior has had little-to-no consistent push, have not disrupted pockets in the passing game and have committed some costly errors in run films that have led to some big runs.
Getting veteran lineman Nathan Shepherd back doesn’t guarantee any of that will be fixed, but he’s made an impact in previous games, and the Saints hope their Week 6 match with the Giants will be another. His veteran experience and streamlines could be a key ingredient to finding a win vs. New York.
DL Colby Wooden
One of two players in the defensive line that have impressed on the interior is offseason acquisition Colby Wooden (fourth-year lineman Khristian Boyd deserve a mention here as well).
Continuing to grade out well against the run would be a massive lift for New Orleans this week. If the team can force the Giants into being more one-dimensional, the chances of creating mistakes in the passing game are certain to increase.
Everything will start up front for New Orleans. If the line can’t win their battles, the Giants will have the opportunity to remain balanced and disciplined, when the Saints would much prefer to see them resort to being one-dimensional and off schedule.
WR Barion Brown
The Saints could use another weapon on offense and so far rookie wideout Bryce Lance doesn’t appear be ready yet. Miscommunications, missed connections and more, Lance has the lowest catch percentage (33%) of any player targeted more than twice on the team.
Perhaps this would be an opportune time to get fellow wide receiver Barion Brown more involved. Lance has the potential to be a valuable asset, but may need a little more time. Brown can add an element that the Saints suffered without in their Week 5 loss to the Vikings: yards after catch.
Per Pro Football Focus, the Giants have missed 39 tackles this season and are one of the 10 lowest-graded tackling teams. Brown’s ability’s a returner with the ball in his hands could be a surprise event the Saints could benefit from against New York.
